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Baltra · Galapagos · Ecuador
Yacht La Pinta Darwin's Legacy (Fri - Thurs)
Starting From
From $12,102.08 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. This itinerary will take us to the true origins of the archipelago, to a world only recently created by the titanic tectonic upheavals of our Earth’s crust, whose volcanic hot spot formed the islands in a blink of an eye in geological time. Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man. On Santa Cruz, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. In the south, we learn about the Galapagos very own “murder mystery”, spot flamingos and snorkel at one of the best sites in the archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the Central Islands, we head back to Baltra Island for the flight back to the mainland.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- La Pinta offers a completely safe travel experience aboard an Expedition Yacht
- Each cabin provides not only ample space and comfort but a spectacular view
- Possibility of exploring the coast of the islands aboard the dinghies
- Charles Darwin Research Station, with giant tortoise pens and a pricklypear cactus forest
- Nonsnorkelers are invited to ride Yacht La Pinta’s glassbottom boat
- Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) to visit the historic “Post Office Barrel”
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Baltra
Welcome to the Galapagos! This adventure begins with your morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. After an introductory briefing onboard, we will all partake in an emergency boat drill, after which you will be assigned to your cabin and then be invited to lunch.
Continued
North Seymour Island
Sightseeing at North Seymour (Island). North Seymour Island In the afternoon, we will disembark and get to enjoy a walk along the coast and inner area of this beautiful and relatively flat island. Throughout the excursion, you will get to observe numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There’s also the possibility of exploring the coast aboard the dinghies. Afterwards, we will head back onboard for an evening briefing & a welcome cocktail.
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 2
Baltra
Boating at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) Because there is no disembarking site at this location, this coastal exploration is done aboard dinghies. Naturalist guides will explain the dramatic geology of the area that are made up of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife present here and, depending on weather conditions, you will be able to snorkel along the cliffs, most likely in the company of green sea turtles!
Continued
Baltra
Sightseeing at Fernandina Island. Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) In the afternoon, we will visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago – Fernandina. This island is ranked among one of the top islands to visit in Galapagos, by guests and guides alike. Here, you will discover an amazing interplay between barren terrain and abundant wildlife. Highlights here include: hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 3
Baltra
Boating at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) we will disembark at Urbina Bay over on the western side of Isabela Island. This visitor site happens to be the result of the tectonic uplift of the ocean floor! As a result, we will get to see plenty of corals and shells alongside large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas. Occasionally, we might even be lucky enough to spot giant tortoises. While sailing across the Bolívar Channel, we will have a high chance of spotting several species of whales.
Continued
Baltra
Sightseeing at Isabela Island (Galapagos). Tagus Cove (Isabela Island) Over on the northwest side of Isabela is secluded Tagus Cove – an anchorage spot that once served as a pit stop for pirates and whalers for several centuries. Nowadays, Tagus Cove is a superb visitor site. Upon disembarking, we will partake in an uphill hike that takes them to the rear of Darwin Crater, which consists entirely of salt water. Afterwards, you can choose to snorkel or ride kayaks along the dramatic coastal landscape.
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 4
Baltra
Leisure. Rabida Island In the morning, we will disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches.
Continued
Baltra
Boating. Glass Bottom Boat This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, too. Non-snorkelers are invited to ride Yacht La Pinta’s glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.
Continued
Baltra
Sightseeing at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) [Santa Cruz Island] The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). The walk here involves casually circling a brackish-water lagoon that’s often frequented by lagoon birds. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay as well as the western islands of the archipelago. You might even be lucky enough to observe land iguanas here, too!
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 5
Baltra
Eco Tour at Charles Darwin Foundation. Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station The morning visit on this day takes us over to the Charles Darwin Research Station, with its giant tortoise pens and an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galapagos’ headquarters for scientific research and conservation. The Station also functions as the administration offices for the Galapagos National Park
Continued
Baltra
Nature Walks at Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos). Highlands of Santa Cruz Island The highlands of Santa Cruz Island are another world entirely from the drier coast, lush and green due to the heavier rainfall they receive. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also excellent for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild. We visit a giant tortoise reserve to meet these lumbering giants up-close. There’s more time to explore more of this fascinating ecosystem, before returning to the yacht at the end of the day.
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 6
Baltra
Sightseeing at Post Office Bay. Post Office Bay we will disembark at Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) to visit the historic “Post Office Barrel” that has functioned as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries! Dinghy rides along the maze of channels over on Floreana’s north shore can also be enjoyed. Views from La Lobería and the Baroness Viewpoint are quite rewarding, too. There’s great kayaking and swimming from the beach here as well.
Continued
Baltra
Boating. Champion Islet & Cormorant Point Before disembarking at Cormorant Point, you can enjoy snorkeling or a ride on Yacht La Pinta’s glass-bottom boat that travels along the coast of an extinct cone called “Champion Islet.”
Continued
Baltra
Nature Walks. Later on, in the afternoon, you will get to visit Cormorant Point, which has an olivine-crystal beach and a brackish water lagoon where bird species like American flamingos can be spotted. A brief walk to the other side of the island rewards guests with a beautiful, white-sand beach that is often the spot for sea turtles to come and nest.
Continued
Baltra
Accommodation included.
Day 7
Baltra
Baltra Island The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat substrate (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen back in the 1940’s as the location for building an airport.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides Snorkeling gear Doctor onboard 24/7 Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddleboards Wetsuits Wifi (Due to the Galapagos' remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth) Landing and facility fees Fitness Room Outdoor terrace / BBQ Gift shop Reading room and natural history library Multiple purpose room Safe deposit box (in cabin) Kayaks Pangas (inflatable dinghies for coastal exploration)
Not Included
Tips and Gratuities Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years old) Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and aiport taxes Fuel surcharge Medical insurance Travel insurance Ingala Transit Control Card Galapagos National Park Fee
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.) All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
Restrictions
Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting & Pickup
Galápagos Ecologic Airport - Santa Cruz Seymour, Islas Galápagos.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 6 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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